1. Chemical utilization of small molecules (CO2, CO, CS2, epoxide) as building blocks for fine chemicals and polymeric materials (polycarbonates, polyesters, and polyethers). 2. The development of practicable organic/metallic, homogeneous/heterogeneous catalyst systems for the above chemical conversions. 3. Nanofabrication using functional polymers, with an emphasis on synthesis block copolymers and photoresists for advanced lithography.